Here's to the Fools Who Dream

Today I jumped on the bandwagon and watched La La Land; I was already aware of the phenomena that it is, I've watched it win big at the award shows so far and know of the 14 Oscar nominations it has. And all I can really say is wow! It's incredible! When family and friends have asked about what I thought that's what I say "oh my god, wow! It's amazing like...." and then go on a long rant about every amazing thing I watched - which is pretty much the whole film. It is one of the best films I have ever seen and it's certainly not overhyped. 

If you don't know what La La Land is you've obviously been living without internet or TV for months and if that were the case you wouldn't be reading this right now. The film focuses on jazz pianist Sebastian who has big dreams of opening his own club who falls in love for aspiring actress Mia. The movie symbolises the battle artist dreamers face between conflict and compromise and is a must see. 

Why do I love it so much? 

La La Land is a musical set in the present day but with inspirations from classic Hollywood musical which helped shape the cinema world of today; it plays homage to its ancestors in an amazing but unique way so that it did not copy previous films but combine the best bits and best abilities of the filmmakers to create the masterpiece of a film that it is. The motion picture was filmed on traditional film reel using old fashioned techniques, using film allowed the capture of more vibrant colours and a richer image, in the film they use lots of blue/green street lights which can't be picked up as much on digital cameras, without intervention during post-production, where as on film it is really pops. If you're a fan of Singing the Rain, then this is a film you should watch, throughout the entire movie references can be found.  

Cinematically it is the best film I've seen, the lightning was amazing the way it would focus on a character on screen and the space around would fade to black creating a spot light type of effect which I think really aids the musical feel. A lot of the film was filmed during the magic/golden hour allowing the natural light of LA fill the sky and light the screen giving it the most realistic look as the film is set in LA. When artificial light is used, the source isn't always shown which leaves the viewer to guess or assume what's creating the light. The costumes play an important part from the iconic yellow dress Mia wears to Sebastian's two toned shoes which look old fashioned and retro but still so perfect for the modern film. 

The opening. If you aren't aware of the opening scene nor the parody Jimmy Fallon did for the cold opening of the Golden Globes then get on YouTube and find it. The bright blue sky  and the pop of colourful clothing mixed with upbeat singing and dancing perfectly starts the film. The continuous shot at the end showing the amount of people involved and the location - a real part of freeway in Los Angeles, the traffic jam completely sets the scene for the location as one thing LA is known for is traffic and hot sunny days. It was filmed with a crane moving around the cars and dancers in varying heights to highlight the movement in the number. The enthusiasm is the perfect opening to getting everyone hooked and interested.

*SPOILERS* The ending is unlike another. Something Hollywood loves to do is give the audience a happy ending because who would want to go away after watching a film saddened? Well, if that's what you want then maybe watch La La Land up until the last few scenes. Even though Sebastian and Mia confess they will always love each other, Mia moves on and finds a new love in her life and Sebastian finally opens his club. Mia and her husband visit Seb's (the club) without knowing who's playing and Mia watches Seb play as a montage of their happily ever after plays. The lighting was perfect it focused on Mia with all space around her fading to black creating a spotlight, the happy ending doesn't last and soon the audience are reminded of reality with Mia leaving with her husband. The film resembles real life almost too much, it shows the struggle artist face and the battle between what they want and how to get it. The fake ending reflects the old style Hollywood perfectly ending the homage. 

"People love what other people are passionate about." I am passionate about this film so you know, go see it! 

http://moveablefest.com/moveable_fest/2016/12/linus-sandgren-la-la-land.html

https://www.slrlounge.com/lighting-up-la-la-land-the-perfect-movie-to-inspire-you-for-2017/ 
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/How-Did-Film-Opening-Song-La-La-Land-42994824